Editors

A Spanish company sparked outrage earlier this month, after it announced a plan to rent tiny pods where low income workers would live side-by-side like bees in a hive for as little as 200 euros a month

The company argues the project called Haibu — which means beehive in Japanese — is a solution to a shortage of affordable housing in Barcelona, however the city hall has refused to issue a licence for it, saying such tiny accommodation is unfit for humans.

Despite the lack of a licence, the company, Haibu 4.0. has already started building the first eight pods which it expects will be finished by the end of the month at an empty business plot.

Each 2.4 square metres pod will be equipped with a bed, TV, storage space and power plugs. It will also include a communal area with a kitchen with several microwaves, lounge and bathrooms, and the monthly rent would include utility bills and Wi-Fi.